Record number of trees planted in Hull, East Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire

In the last 3 years, the project - led by Humber Forest and supported by Defra, has planted a total of 400,000 trees across the region. The community forest for Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire is one of 15 community forests across England. It's also part of the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast.

The project provides grants to cover up to 100% funding for planting as well as at least five years maintenance for farmers, landowners, businesses, and communities to plant hedgerows or trees on their land. These trees can play a vital role in reducing soil erosion and flooding, improving air quality, creating habitats for wildlife, and improving community spaces.

In North Frodingham, East Yorkshire, Humber Forest supported local farmer Rob Meadley to plant two hectares of trees in memory of his father, Phil. The trees have been planted on areas that were tricky to farm and had problems with drainage. The woodlands will help slow the flow of water during heavy rain periods as well as create spaces for wildlife. Rob Meadley said “The project was aimed at increasing the biodiversity and connectivity across the farm and will be a lasting legacy for my father.”

Most trees are planted by Humber Forest delivery partners with the support of volunteers, including local residents who planted 576 trees alongside Dent Road in Cottingham. The Dent Road project was aimed at enhancing the local area, providing a local community woodland for residents, while enhancing the area for wildlife.

The majority of tree saplings for Humber Forest plantings are also grown at Mires Beck Nursery in North Cave, an East Yorkshire charity that supports adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and Autism.

Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport said “This is a fantastic initiative, it’s great to see the numerous benefits that these trees can produce, from biodiversity to local community enhancement. Many thanks to the landowners and volunteers involved in growing the Humber Forest, and we encourage those who would like to be involved in future plantings to contact the Humber Forest team.”

Tree and hedgerow planting in the Humber Forest is supported with funding from the Trees for Climate and Northern Forest Grow Back Greener funds, which are part of the Defra Nature for Climate Fund and provide landowners with grants to cover up to 100% of all woodland creation project costs.